Life Groups
Introducing Life Groups
Life Groups grew out of St. Michael’s strategic planning process and our Vestry’s desire to create more intentional opportunities for connection and spiritual growth. We are excited to pilot Life Groups throughout fall and winter 2026!
Our vision is for Life Groups to become one of the primary ways people experience grace, connection, and belonging at St. Michael’s — a place where relationships deepen, faith becomes personal, and we learn to walk alongside one another in everyday life.
A Life Group is a small circle of 8–12 people who gather regularly to share life, deepen relationships, and grow in faith together. Guided by a group leader, each group follows an eight-session curriculum developed by our own Fr. John Newton, drawing from past sermons that explore the meaning of grace and how it shapes our everyday lives.
Ready to join a Life Group?
Registration for our pilot Life Group series (Fall/Winter 2026) is currently closed and we anticipate opening groups again in early 2027.
Watch for upcoming dates and details here and in St. Michael’s communications.
For more information, please contact our
Director of Welcome and Belonging, Allie Peña.
apena@st-michaels.org
Frequently Asked Questions
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Life Groups are small, closed groups with a set schedule and firm beginning/end dates. Life Groups will complement our already established formation groups by providing opportunities for connection, vulnerability, and spirtual growth in a more intimate setting.
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Groups will follow the same cadence of connect, reflect, respond, all facilitated by a trained Life Group leader:
30 minutes of connection and conversation over light bites
55 minutes of open dialogue in response to reflection questions
5 minutes of closing prayer or reflection
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In this pilot phase, Life Groups will be formed based on a combination of schedule availability, identified life stage, and geographic location.
After filling out a registration form indicating your interest, participants will be placed into a Life Group based on availability.
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Life Group registration is open to anyone. We will do our very best to accommodate everyone in this pilot phase, but space will be limited. You can participate as an individual, a couple, or as a family.
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All of our Life Group leaders are members of our community, identified for their leadership, warmth, and hospitality.
They are a diverse group and we greatly appreciate their time and openness during this pilot phase!
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During this pilot phase, we are offering 6 different group options and you can pick the one that best fits you:
YOUNG ADULT: single or married; college-aged through late 20s/early 30s
YOUNG FAMILY: children elementary-aged and younger
MATURING FAMILY: children in middle- and high-school (tweens and teens)
EMPTY NESTER: families with adult children who have recently moved away from home
RETIREE: older adult enjoying their third act
MIXED AGE
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Yes! If you opt to participate as a family, an on-site babysitter will be provided by the Life Group leader so that adults can gather and focus on conversation/connection.
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Groups will meet every other week over 8 weeks, from September to December, in the homes of Life Group Leaders. While we know life is busy, the hope is that participants will make best efforts to attend every session.